Police refuse to enforce burka ban

Amsterdam police will not arrest women in burkas, even if a ban is introduced. That's according to Police chief Bernhard Welten, who said on public television that police officers have to use their common sense. "I do not feel that I should always be an instrument of the government who always does what is asked."

In response, Freedom Party MP Hero Brinkman, a former policeman himself, strongly criticised the chief, "The police should be subservient to the authorities. The government and parliament make the laws. The police enforce them. We would be a banana republic if it were the other way around."

He called on the interior minister to take action against Mr Welten, although he fell short of actually calling for his resignation. On Twitter, the MP wrote, "Welten is leaving this year. Pity, would have liked to see him sacked."